The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.
When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)
This weeks herb is: Calendula Calendula Offoconalis
Common names: Pot Marigold, Goldbloom, Golds, Holigold, Mary Bud, Mary Gowles, Ruddes
(from Rodale, pages 60-62)
History: The ancient Romans cultivated Calendula just because it was pretty and boomed consistently over a season, although it was used for scorpion bites as well. Since then it has been used to treat headaches, toothaches, red eyes and fevers. Nicholas Culpeper (famed 17th century herbalist) claimed that it strengthened the heart.
Calendula has also been believed to possess magic. It has been an ingredient in concoctions believed to help you see fairies, and others to help you choose your best suitor.
During Elizabethan times Calendula was used prominently in cooking. It was used is stews, vegetables, puddings, and even wine.
During the Civil War Calendula was used to help stop bleeding and to promote the healing of wounds.
Uses: Calendula tinctures have been recommended for a variety of uses: cramps, toothaches, fever, flu, and stomachaches. It is believed to aid digestion and act as a general tonic. In the 1960's there was brief, but unfounded hope , that in Calendula lied the cure for cancer. It is often used externally for sores, cuts, rashes, and burns, even beestings. A Calendula rinse brings out the highlights in blond and brunette hair, and when used in body applications it is believed to be a stimulant. Calendula can be used as a dye- the flowers make a yellow dye for wool when using an alum mordant.
Toxicity: None
Ornamental: Breeders have developed many varieties and colors range from creamy yellow to bright orange.
PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 545-548)
Effects: The essential oil may have astringent attributes. Flowers are considered anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antilipid. It is thought to relieve gastrointestinal issues by reducing spasms and stimulating the production of bile. Calendula promotes the healing of wounds through formation of granulation tissue.
Unproven uses: Ukrainian and Russian folk medicine used an infusion made from marigold plants to treat hypotension. Also circulation, ulcers, spasms, jaundice, and swelling of the glands. In Russia it is used for strep throat, the Canary Islands use it for coughs and cramps and in China it is used to treat irregular menstruation.
Homeopathic Uses: Used for the inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, for poorly healing wounds, leg ulcers, to clean wounds and for chronic and acute skin inflammation. As folk medicine it has been used externally for varicosis, vascular disease wounds, inflammatory skin disease, eczema, and conjunctivitis. Also used in treatments for dry skin, bee stings, and frostbite. Internally it is used for the inflammatory condition of internal organs, gastrointestinal ulcers, constipation, and as a diuretic.
Precautions: Low potential for sensitization after frequent skin contact. Efficacy has not been proved, so therapeutic value is uncertain.
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